Dragon bent down slowly, picking up the notebook that had fallen.
His eyes shifted away from Kuma and Ginny, finally settling on Ritter's face.
"Teacher," his voice was low yet firm, "you were right. Oaths alone can't change the world."
Ritter, meanwhile, was grinning from ear to ear, happily watching the sweet couple
he loved to "ship" people. Shipping everything just made his diet more balanced.
"I once believed that if we just overthrew the Celestial Dragons and built a new system, the world would improve," Dragon said, crushing the page in his hand and letting the scraps scatter in the wind.
"But you've shown me a harsher truth. Over the years, while pursuing my ideals, I've also seen oppression always takes another form, even without the Celestial Dragons."
Ritter raised an eyebrow. "So?"
Dragon's seriousness made Ritter feel a little awkward.
"So revolution isn't the end," Dragon looked up, fire burning in his eyes. "It's a constant struggle. What I want to build isn't a 'perfect nation,' but a place where everyone "
He pointed to Ginny tending Kuma's wounds, then toward the three Hancock sisters peeking curiously by the window.
" can fight for their own fate, and choose their own life."
Ritter: Holy hell, Dragon, that was way too good. How am I supposed to top that?
Dragon truly cared about this cause, and he had the talent for it. He was, in the truest sense, a revolutionary.
But little brother… you still gotta train. Ritter was standing on the shoulders of giants.
The bar fell silent.
"Pfft." Ritter suddenly chuckled. "Not bad at all."
"Remember this revolution isn't a dinner party. It means blood. I trust you've found the homework I left for you, but at least…"
A scythe and hammer of blood-mist formed in Ritter's palm, which he handed to Dragon. "Don't forget why you bleed."
Dragon took them, then suddenly dropped to one knee. "We'd like to formally invite you… we want you to become "
"Hah?" Ritter took three steps back. "I refuse! Do you know how many idiots I've already taught? (A certain cook, a certain rubber-brain, a certain crybaby you get it.) I'm already exhausted!"
He glanced at the couple.
Ginny's face was beet red. This bold girl had already confessed once, but Kuma's fiery expression of love had her completely flustered. She stole a glance at him, then quickly dropped her head, twisting her hands together, wishing she could sink into the floor.
Eh-heh-heh.
"Ahem…" Ritter cleared his throat to break the awkwardness. "Alright, enough jokes. Ginny, whatever happens between you and Kuma, it's your choice. Just don't leave regrets."
He stood and patted Kuma's shoulder approvingly, then turned back to Dragon. "Alright, I've read your homework. You've improved a lot, but you're still lacking. Revolution isn't child's play you'll need sharper plans and greater strength. Mary Geoise won't be shaken so easily. You need more time to gather power."
Dragon bowed slightly. "Your teaching is right. I'll keep it in mind."
"Drop the 'teacher' thing," Ritter waved him off. "It sounds weird. Now, take Ginny and scram already! Go, go!"
He had bigger challenges ahead. Sure, he was rich, but remembering that Xia Qi hadn't come out yet, Ritter shivered. That woman's abacus clattering in his head was scarier than Kaido's club.
After a pause, Ritter added, "And remember don't be reckless. Sabaody may look calm, but it's full of hidden currents. The Navy's strength is no joke. Don't clash with them head-on until you're ready."
He'd thought this through carefully. The place was close to Marineford, yet the Celestial Dragons liked coming here. With its thriving black market, Sabaody was a dangerous crossroads.
Dragon's eyes lit up again. He'd feared Ritter would abandon him, but the advice showed otherwise. Already, he was planning how to use Sabaody's unique position for the revolution's next step.
Watching Ritter's retreating back, Dragon's eyes burned with respect and gratitude.
Turning to Kuma and Ginny, he said, "We should leave too. Sabaody isn't safe for long. Ginny, from now on, you'll work with Kuma."
"Yes, Dragon-sama," Ginny replied.
She turned to Kuma, worried. "Kuma… are you sure you're alright? Shouldn't you rest?"
Kuma shook his head. "I'm fine, Ginny. What matters is getting stronger, so I can protect you."
Looking at Dragon, he said firmly, "Let's go."
The three left side by side, disappearing into the Sabaody streets.
The Hancock sisters watched them until they vanished, then reluctantly pulled their gazes away.
Hancock turned to Sandersonia and Marigold, her voice resolute: "We have to get stronger too. We can't keep depending on Ritter. We must become powerful pirates in our own right pirates who make him proud."
"Right, Sister!" the two younger girls answered together.
Moonlight streamed through the curtains, the three sisters curled up together in bed.
Sandersonia whispered, "Sister… that brand…"
Hancock clutched the blanket tight. The Celestial Dragon's hoof burned on her back, their eternal shame.
Knock, knock. A soft voice came from outside.
"Asleep yet? May I come in?" Ritter.
The sisters froze. Hancock's eyes filled with joy. "R-Ritter… we're awake… please come in."
He entered, looking at the three huddled on the bed.
"Turn around." Blood mist shaped into his hand as he patted her head. "I'll show you a little magic trick."
Hancock turned scarlet steam-girl: "T-turning… turning now."
Ritter immediately saw what she was imagining.
Bonk! A flick to the forehead.
"I'm just removing your scars. That's why I came tonight. Everyone knows, but it's better this way the pressure is lighter for you three at night."
Biting her lip, Hancock turned her back to him, feeling the cool mist press against her scar.
"This'll sting a bit," Ritter said seriously, for once. "These aren't just scars they've been infused with a special substance, that's why they're so hard to erase…"
Thread-thin needles of mist pierced the edges of the brand. Hancock stifled a groan; Sandersonia grabbed her hand at once.
The three of them fainted almost instantly Ritter had laced the mist with anesthetic. His method was simple: carve away the flesh, then use his life force to regenerate it quickly.
"Damn, that's deep. No wonder."
That's why he hadn't treated them earlier. Back then, their bodies were too depleted; over-healing would've harmed them. Now, they'd recovered enough.
Marigold whimpered in her sleep. "I won't do it again… don't hit me…"
Ritter frowned at the sight of the three. "This won't do…"
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